Monthly Archive: March 2017

Traveling by train may often be more comfortable and relaxing than being on a plane. But it is far from a perfect way to travel. Like other means of transportation that get you from point A to B, rail journeys can have its share of issues that could potentially make the trip more stressful than it should be. Here are some tips on how to make your train ride as smooth as possible.

Bring the food or snacks you might need. Generally, the food you buy on trains are often more expensive than their original prices. Apart from being more costly, some may not be good enough for your taste. Or if you prefer eating healthy snacks or have specific dietary requirements, it is best to pack your own food or snacks. You can buy some delicious breads or pastries from the bakery or supermarket as well as some beverages.

Book a sleeping car room for long-distance trips. Train seats are fairly roomier and more comfortable than most economy class plane seats. But if you are traveling by train for more than one night, you may want to book a sleeping car room for added convenience. Sleepers can make your journey more comfortable. There are even some sleeping accommodations that offer the best views.

Skip the free Wi-Fi. If you are on a train that offers free Wi-Fi, you may want to skip using that particular service and stay disconnected. One of the biggest draws and inherent charm of train rides is the chance to see the beautiful scenery as you travel across cities or countries. You could miss out on what could be amazing sights if you are busy with your laptop or phone.

Keep your bags in sight. Stow your luggage in the overhead compartment or put it somewhere within your eyesight. This is to avoid dealing with the extremely stressful situation of having your luggage stolen.

Observe train etiquette. Make sure to know the train rules and etiquettes that locals follow. Observe the people around you. Try to make as little noise as possible if you notice that people, especially the locals, seem to be quiet. Check if anyone is sleeping next to you or near you. Make sure to minimize whatever activity or noise that may disturb their sleep.

In today’s hurried world even the act of traveling from one destination to another can be stressful. Anyone who has experienced nightmarish airport security checks and flight delays would know the price of taking the fastest way to travel from one city or country to another. While there are places like in Europe best known for its scenic train journeys, there are many underrated rail journeys in the world that should be on every traveler’s must-experience list. Here are some of the best reasons to love train travel.

1. Cheaper than a plane ticket
Train travel is fairly cheaper than a plane ticket, especially for short-distance trip. It may be a slower way to get to your destination as opposed to flying. But if you can spare the time, you might be surprised as to what amazing surprises a money-saving train ride has in store for you.

2. More convenient

Over the years, airport security seemed to have become more unpleasant than ever. Stringent security checks often mean arriving at the airport at least two or three hours early is a must in anticipation of what sometimes could be a long and tedious process. This often makes a trip more of a hassle than it should be. So if you want more convenience at less the cost of an airfare, consider traveling by train on your next trip.

3. More comfortable
With airplane seat legroom seemingly shrinking over time, flying can be one of the least relaxing ways to travel. Rather than suffering through the usual inconveniences of cramped seat spaces, you may want to ditch plan rides once in a while and opt for a more comfortable train trip.

4. More eco-friendly

Studies show that trains offer a more eco-friendly way to travel. It is more energy-efficient and often responsible for less CO2 emissions than taking the plane or driving a car to your destination. Given its energy-efficiency, it is fairly protected or insulated from sudden fuel price increases.

5. The journey itself is worth it
Train travel is the journey itself. It is not just about getting on and off the plane with little to see and, if you are unlucky, a lot of potentially frustrating experiences. There is nothing like a train ride that allows you to enjoy the scenery. It makes you see more and get a feel of the country. And if you are traveling across some of the most scenic train routes in the world, you are in for a spectacular experience.